Thursday, January 31, 2013

What to Do Today: Modern Chinese Dance, Innovation Awards, Ask a Ho

Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 8:18 AM

1) DANCE DANCE REVOLUTIONContemporary dance in China is flourishing, apparently. Check out choreographers Nunu Kong and Dai Jian as they give workshops and a public showing of their research, part of the Chinese Contemporary Dance Festival, at Zellerbach Hall. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free.

2) AWARDS SHOWWhat East Bay companies and individuals are leading the way in innovation and prosperity? Find out at the East Bay Innovation Awards, which features hors d’oeuvres, networking, and a cash bar at The Fox Theater. 5-8 p.m., $100-$150.

3) HO TALKFind out what it’s like to be a sex worker at “Ask a Ho,” a panel discussion on the sex industry featuring Shannon Williams of the Sex Workers Outreach Project. At Feelmore510; 7 p.m., $5-$10.

4) MIND BLOWNThe universe is shaped in miniscule and immense proportions by six spectrums, which show up in numbers, size, light, sound, heat, and time — according to author David Blatner. He’ll discuss his fascinating book, Spectrums: Our Mind-Boggling Universe from Infinitesimal to Infinity, at Books Inc. Berkeley. 7 p.m., free.

5) ALL HAIL THE WHISTLEBLOWER Bradley Manning, who’s being charged with giving national defense information to an unauthorized source and aiding the enemy, begins his trial this year. Join a discussion about Manning’s case with famous whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg and wife Patricia, plus Kevin Gosztola, co-author of Truth & Consequences: The U.S. vs Bradley Manning. At the First Congregation Church of Berkeley; 7:30 p.m., $12.